headlights wont turn on, need help

[4leavedClover]

I'm having issues with my headlights. they won't turn on, even with the engine running, despite the bulb and fuse being fine. There's +12v at the fuse, but no voltage at the socket. The dimmer switch and wiring are good, and other lights like the turn signals work. I'm not sure where the blue/black wire leads after the dimmer switch, could it be the ecm? The manual mentions a relay near the battery, but I can't find it. Any ideas on what to check next?

 

[ElonFlusk1]

not an expert in these bikes but i've had my fair share of electronic gremlins chasing around. my first thought was the relay or to follow the wires and see if there's a loss of connection they're broken

 

[EyesWideOpen]

I'm having issues with my headlights. they won't turn on, even with the engine running, despite the bulb and fuse being fine. There's +12v at the fuse, but no voltage at the socket. The dimmer switch and wiring are good, and other lights like the turn signals work. I'm not sure where the blue/black wire leads after the dimmer switch, could it be the ecm? The manual mentions a relay near the battery, but I can't find it. Any ideas on what to check next?

have you checked the fuse? I will double check again if I were you

 

[Malone.fan]

Likely that headlight relay. On some bikes it's tucked in real tight, check behind or below the battery tray, sometimes zip tied to the harness.

 

[Odel.2v]

I'm having issues with my headlights. they won't turn on, even with the engine running, despite the bulb and fuse being fine. There's +12v at the fuse, but no voltage at the socket. The dimmer switch and wiring are good, and other lights like the turn signals work. I'm not sure where the blue/black wire leads after the dimmer switch, could it be the ecm? The manual mentions a relay near the battery, but I can't find it. Any ideas on what to check next?

My buddy recently had a similar issue on his V-Star 1100.. He had voltage at the fuse, but it turned out the fuse holder itself was corroded, barely making a connection.
That's a long shot, but also worth checking!
As for the relay you're looking, it's likely the main ignition relay, not for the headlights.
The blue/black wire from your dimmer switch should go directly to the headlight bulb, the ECM isn't usually involved.
I'd do a continuity test on that wire from the dimmer switch to the headlight socket to find a break.